I am in the RTP for business on a regular basis and Serena's is the only place I go. The menu is authentic Italian/Sicilian and the food is outstanding. A full line of local brews on tap, along with a good bottle selection and top shelf

3

JMKY
December 14, 20116Serena Sicilian Influenced Restaurants

Great Gourmet Food...Great Service!

★★★★★

I am in the RTP for business on a regular basis and Serena's is the only place I go. The menu is authentic Italian/Sicilian and the food is outstanding. A full line of local brews on tap, along with a good bottle selection and top shelf

Apparently this establishment has not taken the Sept. 25 2011 criticism from resident r below seriously. We were in the area to attend the CASL Soccer Tournament and went to this restaurant the evening of Saturday December 3. We arrived a

3

Coach Bee
December 04, 20116Serena Sicilian Influenced Restaurants

More thumbs down Manager needs people skills!

★★★★★

Apparently this establishment has not taken the Sept. 25 2011 criticism from resident r below seriously. We were in the area to attend the CASL Soccer Tournament and went to this restaurant the evening of Saturday December 3. We arrived a

Serena's is the worst restaurant I have encountered in the RTP area thus far. I am new to the area and I felt the food tasted plain, music was too loud and obnoxious for a dining setting, and the ambiance was overall poor. Nothing

3

resident r
September 25, 20116Serena Sicilian Influenced Restaurants

Not So Much ......Thumbs down

★★★★★

Serena's is the worst restaurant I have encountered in the RTP area thus far. I am new to the area and I felt the food tasted plain, music was too loud and obnoxious for a dining setting, and the ambiance was overall poor. Nothing

If you haven't been to Serena's or stood in line waiting to get in than you're definitely missing out! This place has amazing food from scratch and a variety to choose from that will fit anyone's palate!
I would recommend making a

3

biggmack69
August 26, 20116Serena Sicilian Influenced Restaurants

Best Italian joint in the RTP!

★★★★★

If you haven't been to Serena's or stood in line waiting to get in than you're definitely missing out! This place has amazing food from scratch and a variety to choose from that will fit anyone's palate!
I would recommend making a

The food was excellent. We ordered four tapas and ended up ordering two more! Everything tasted great! And the house merlot was great as well.
The waiter was friendly, knowledgeable, and did not pressure us to finish and leave.
All in all, this was a very pleasant dining experience and we'll be going there again!

2

by GoFins at Citysearch
December 06, 20095Serena Sicilian Influenced Restaurants

Great Food!

★★★★★

The food was excellent. We ordered four tapas and ended up ordering two more! Everything tasted great! And the house merlot was great as well.
The waiter was friendly, knowledgeable, and did not pressure us to finish and leave.
All in all, this was a very pleasant dining experience and we'll be going there again!

My fiancee and I visited Serena last Friday. We'd never been there before, but were interested in trying someplace new, instead of visiting one of the places we go to again and again.

We arrived around 7:30pm. I was nervous about going there at that time, figuring that was prime time for dinner, especially on a weekend, and I was expecting it to be crowded. We were surprised to find that it wasn't crowded at all. There was one table with a party of maybe ten seated at it, and then a few guys at the bar. Other than that, it was empty. I saw that other comments noted that Serena can get very busy, so I guess it was just a weird night when we were there.

My fiancee and I both ordered a cocktail. He got a jack and coke, and I got one of their signature cocktails. I don't remember what exactly it was called, but it involved fresh strawberries, lychee, and vodka, and it was one of the best cocktails I've ever had. It was also a huge glass. It was a $9 drink, but considering how large the glass was, it was well worth it to me.

For our meal, we split several tapas. I enjoyed everything. We had the proscuitto and fontina cheese croquettes, which I thought was delicious. My fiancee is more of a foodie than I am though, and he said that he thought that the croquettes had been frozen previously and simply heated before being served to us. Either way, I loved them. He wasn't as keen on them as I was. We also had the grilled asparagus with chipotle vinigrette (a bit on the spicy side), roasted red peppers with fontina cheese and mushrooms (I love anything that involves cheese), and a side of french fries. The amount of food was perfect for us to split, and we even had room for dessert. For dessert we had that night's special, which was an apple tart with ice cream. It tasted home made and was a great autumn treat.

We will probably go back to Serena sometime soon to try out some of the other tapas. I'm so happy there is a tapa place close by now, instead of having to drive all the way to Raleigh just for a decent small plates menu. I definitely recommend Serena!

2

by elja at Citysearch
October 07, 20094Serena Sicilian Influenced Restaurants

Great place for Tapas in RTP

★★★★☆

My fiancee and I visited Serena last Friday. We'd never been there before, but were interested in trying someplace new, instead of visiting one of the places we go to again and again.

We arrived around 7:30pm. I was nervous about going there at that time, figuring that was prime time for dinner, especially on a weekend, and I was expecting it to be crowded. We were surprised to find that it wasn't crowded at all. There was one table with a party of maybe ten seated at it, and then a few guys at the bar. Other than that, it was empty. I saw that other comments noted that Serena can get very busy, so I guess it was just a weird night when we were there.

My fiancee and I both ordered a cocktail. He got a jack and coke, and I got one of their signature cocktails. I don't remember what exactly it was called, but it involved fresh strawberries, lychee, and vodka, and it was one of the best cocktails I've ever had. It was also a huge glass. It was a $9 drink, but considering how large the glass was, it was well worth it to me.

For our meal, we split several tapas. I enjoyed everything. We had the proscuitto and fontina cheese croquettes, which I thought was delicious. My fiancee is more of a foodie than I am though, and he said that he thought that the croquettes had been frozen previously and simply heated before being served to us. Either way, I loved them. He wasn't as keen on them as I was. We also had the grilled asparagus with chipotle vinigrette (a bit on the spicy side), roasted red peppers with fontina cheese and mushrooms (I love anything that involves cheese), and a side of french fries. The amount of food was perfect for us to split, and we even had room for dessert. For dessert we had that night's special, which was an apple tart with ice cream. It tasted home made and was a great autumn treat.

We will probably go back to Serena sometime soon to try out some of the other tapas. I'm so happy there is a tapa place close by now, instead of having to drive all the way to Raleigh just for a decent small plates menu. I definitely recommend Serena!

Has great appetizers and drinks.... Good ambiance.. I have been there a couple of times.... But its not he best place for a proper lunch or dinner. I would just do appetizers anyway because they are good and quite filling.

Has great appetizers and drinks.... Good ambiance.. I have been there a couple of times.... But its not he best place for a proper lunch or dinner. I would just do appetizers anyway because they are good and quite filling.

I've been to Serena a few times for lunch and I've always enjoyed my meals there. It is definitely set-up for the working crowd. You pay before you eat, so that you can leave as soon as you're ready (no waiting for a check). The food is delicious! The atmosphere is also pleasant. It's a great place to go for lunch.

I've been to Serena a few times for lunch and I've always enjoyed my meals there. It is definitely set-up for the working crowd. You pay before you eat, so that you can leave as soon as you're ready (no waiting for a check). The food is delicious! The atmosphere is also pleasant. It's a great place to go for lunch.

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by lynnp48 at CitysearchNov 10.

Serena is a wonderful place to eat. Great menu and great food prepared with care and pride. The service is very good but not too stuffy or fake. We have been here several times and are never disappointed. The only downside is that Serena can become very crowded and loud, but that goes hand in hand with a popular place.

2

by lynnp48 at Citysearch
November 02, 20085Serena Sicilian Influenced Restaurants

One of the best in the triangle

★★★★★

Serena is a wonderful place to eat. Great menu and great food prepared with care and pride. The service is very good but not too stuffy or fake. We have been here several times and are never disappointed. The only downside is that Serena can become very crowded and loud, but that goes hand in hand with a popular place.

I've been to Serena's several times, both for lunch and after work for drinks and appetizers. Good service, nice drink variety and good food. The decor is kind of sparse, with both high and low tables, and I would consider this first to be a bar over a restaurant, but the food is good and not the standard far you would find at a bar. Good sandwiches and soups.

2

by TeeDee123 at Citysearch
October 25, 20084Serena Sicilian Influenced Restaurants

Fun bar/restaurant with good food

★★★★☆

I've been to Serena's several times, both for lunch and after work for drinks and appetizers. Good service, nice drink variety and good food. The decor is kind of sparse, with both high and low tables, and I would consider this first to be a bar over a restaurant, but the food is good and not the standard far you would find at a bar. Good sandwiches and soups.

It took me two trips to like Serena's, and I was sold on the second trip. Before the decor seems cold--very metallic; which overshadowed my meal. But my next trip was with a work-sponsored function; the crowd livened up the place and the food was soo good. the chicken skewers are flavorful and the meatballs were nice and spicy.

It took me two trips to like Serena's, and I was sold on the second trip. Before the decor seems cold--very metallic; which overshadowed my meal. But my next trip was with a work-sponsored function; the crowd livened up the place and the food was soo good. the chicken skewers are flavorful and the meatballs were nice and spicy.

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by penguin027 at CitysearchNov 10.

Great menu and great food. A perfect place to meet for lunch if you want something just a little different than the usual!

2

by penguin027 at Citysearch
July 19, 20084Serena Sicilian Influenced Restaurants

Great RTP Lunch Location

★★★★☆

Great menu and great food. A perfect place to meet for lunch if you want something just a little different than the usual!

This is my favorite after work restaurant and bar. I have been coming here with colleagues for almost 2 years now and the Serena staff have taken us under their wing. The bonus is that they have good food that is reasonably priced. My favorites include the grilled asparagus salad with salmon and apple sherry vinagrette, the gourmet humus, the chicken cordon bleu sandwhich, the pinchos, the meatballs, the Serena burger, the mac and cheese, the warm flourless chocolate cake, did I mention the onion rings, the fries. Okay, the dusted goat discs is a funny name, but the cheeses are good! I am also very fond of the simple yet modern decor. My favorite thing is a nice evening, a table near the little beach tree out on the patio, a glass of wine and friends. The wait staff is great and are very flexible with the menu choices. It was the perfect touch!

2

by pritchaj at Citysearch
April 03, 20085Serena Sicilian Influenced Restaurants

Favorite After Work Dinner Drink Location in RTP

★★★★★

This is my favorite after work restaurant and bar. I have been coming here with colleagues for almost 2 years now and the Serena staff have taken us under their wing. The bonus is that they have good food that is reasonably priced. My favorites include the grilled asparagus salad with salmon and apple sherry vinagrette, the gourmet humus, the chicken cordon bleu sandwhich, the pinchos, the meatballs, the Serena burger, the mac and cheese, the warm flourless chocolate cake, did I mention the onion rings, the fries. Okay, the dusted goat discs is a funny name, but the cheeses are good! I am also very fond of the simple yet modern decor. My favorite thing is a nice evening, a table near the little beach tree out on the patio, a glass of wine and friends. The wait staff is great and are very flexible with the menu choices. It was the perfect touch!

From my first outing to Serena's almost two years ago, I've enjoyed the great food and attentive, friendly service. Whether stopping by for lunch or hanging out after work, I've been met by a staff that goes out of its way to provide high quality service and create a neighborhood-like atmosphere. Favorites on the menu include the creamy tomato soup, the grilled asparagus and salmon salad (best with apple sherry dressing!) and the flourless chocolate cake. Managers Elizabeth and Maxwell strive to develop innovative dishes and incorporate feedback from customers regarding menu and beverage offerings. And their outdoor patio is a perfect place to wind down after a busy day. Serena's has been a great addition to the RTP restaurant collection!

2

by lasuco at Citysearch
April 03, 20085Serena Sicilian Influenced Restaurants

Creative menu, great happy hour spot

★★★★★

From my first outing to Serena's almost two years ago, I've enjoyed the great food and attentive, friendly service. Whether stopping by for lunch or hanging out after work, I've been met by a staff that goes out of its way to provide high quality service and create a neighborhood-like atmosphere. Favorites on the menu include the creamy tomato soup, the grilled asparagus and salmon salad (best with apple sherry dressing!) and the flourless chocolate cake. Managers Elizabeth and Maxwell strive to develop innovative dishes and incorporate feedback from customers regarding menu and beverage offerings. And their outdoor patio is a perfect place to wind down after a busy day. Serena's has been a great addition to the RTP restaurant collection!

This place has become my fave lunch spot over the last couple of months. Really good sandwiches, salads and eclectic entrees. I had the salmon yesterday, and it was fantastic.
Even when they are crowded, somehow it never feels that way... The dining area is planned out really well.

2

by Fangio at Citysearch
February 26, 20085Serena Sicilian Influenced Restaurants

My Favorite Lunch Place

★★★★★

This place has become my fave lunch spot over the last couple of months. Really good sandwiches, salads and eclectic entrees. I had the salmon yesterday, and it was fantastic.
Even when they are crowded, somehow it never feels that way... The dining area is planned out really well.

I'm so happy to have discovered this restaurant. Lunch choices around RTP range from the mundane, to the downright inedible for the most part.This place is miles above the competition... Serena has excellent food, a friendly atmosphere, and very reasonable prices. I highly recommend the salads, and their chicken cordon bleu is one of the best I've ever had.

p.s. Try the macaroni and cheese... You won't regret it.

2

by Mixon1964 at Citysearch
February 25, 20085Serena Sicilian Influenced Restaurants

An Oasis of Fine Food in RTP.

★★★★★

I'm so happy to have discovered this restaurant. Lunch choices around RTP range from the mundane, to the downright inedible for the most part.This place is miles above the competition... Serena has excellent food, a friendly atmosphere, and very reasonable prices. I highly recommend the salads, and their chicken cordon bleu is one of the best I've ever had.

Great place to get away from the office for lunch and avoid the usual fast food option in RTP. Offering not only soup, burgers, sandwiches and wide variety of unusual salads (to which one can add meat) but also branching out into hot entrees at fairly reasonable price range of 8 1-13 dollars. Had a delicious hot gnocchi entree recently that included wilted spinach, bacon, freshly-grated cheese and dried cherries, all tossed in spanish olive oil - different and interesting flavor combination! Wait staff and management are very pleasant, welcoming and accomodating. You order at the register and wait staff delivers your food to your table so the lunch experience does not take a great deal longer than eating in at fast food, unless you go at peak time and the dining room is very crowded. Convenient hours - open for late lunchers. Nice place for after work drink and appetizers too.

2

by CHLee14 at Citysearch
February 25, 20085Serena Sicilian Influenced Restaurants

Healthy Alternative to RTP Fast Food Fare

★★★★★

Great place to get away from the office for lunch and avoid the usual fast food option in RTP. Offering not only soup, burgers, sandwiches and wide variety of unusual salads (to which one can add meat) but also branching out into hot entrees at fairly reasonable price range of 8 1-13 dollars. Had a delicious hot gnocchi entree recently that included wilted spinach, bacon, freshly-grated cheese and dried cherries, all tossed in spanish olive oil - different and interesting flavor combination! Wait staff and management are very pleasant, welcoming and accomodating. You order at the register and wait staff delivers your food to your table so the lunch experience does not take a great deal longer than eating in at fast food, unless you go at peak time and the dining room is very crowded. Convenient hours - open for late lunchers. Nice place for after work drink and appetizers too.

I live less than a mile from Serena but hadn't tried it out yet. I definitely put it on the spot - I placed a reservation for Valentines dinner site unseen. We were thrilled with the staff, the atmosphere, and the food. We were able to watch the NC State game, sample the awesome drink specials, and really enjoy a nice evening out. I got a salad with my meal that was fantastic. My main course was the paella - as spicy as I've ever had but very enjoyable. The dessert was recommended to us by our friendly server and she nailed it. Still working out the kinks I think, but we will be back over and over again.

2

by wiseowl82 at Citysearch
February 22, 20085Serena Sicilian Influenced Restaurants

Fun little place

★★★★★

I live less than a mile from Serena but hadn't tried it out yet. I definitely put it on the spot - I placed a reservation for Valentines dinner site unseen. We were thrilled with the staff, the atmosphere, and the food. We were able to watch the NC State game, sample the awesome drink specials, and really enjoy a nice evening out. I got a salad with my meal that was fantastic. My main course was the paella - as spicy as I've ever had but very enjoyable. The dessert was recommended to us by our friendly server and she nailed it. Still working out the kinks I think, but we will be back over and over again.

We came here for dinner, and left with mixed opinions. I hope that the owners, etc. will read this because I think the place has potential to be a nice place for dinner.

-The drink selections were great w.r.t. beer. They also had a blueberry mojito that was well liked by my friends.
-The server was very nice and seemed smart enough, but I think they hadn't invested the time to teach her the ropes of serving. She was not able to recommend getting more appetizers for the size of our group, and we were short on them once they came out. She also seemed to be unclear on general table timing- taking orders, clearing plates. Again, I think they should just have an experienced server give lessons to others.
-Decor was nice, and the tables were big
-Our food was ok. Appetizers were tasty. The avocado on the avocado BLT was not ripe. They also overdid the lettuce of the BLT... My scallops were pretty tasty, but not memorable. I just don't think anyone in our party was really blown away by their meal.
-Prices were reasonable.

I think if they invested some time into training staff and really cranking out good food, they could have a successful restaurant. We will try it one more time in a while, if only for the blueberry mojito.

1

by aprall at Citysearch
February 11, 20083Serena Sicilian Influenced Restaurants

I'm torn on how to rate this place....

★★★☆☆

We came here for dinner, and left with mixed opinions. I hope that the owners, etc. will read this because I think the place has potential to be a nice place for dinner.

-The drink selections were great w.r.t. beer. They also had a blueberry mojito that was well liked by my friends.
-The server was very nice and seemed smart enough, but I think they hadn't invested the time to teach her the ropes of serving. She was not able to recommend getting more appetizers for the size of our group, and we were short on them once they came out. She also seemed to be unclear on general table timing- taking orders, clearing plates. Again, I think they should just have an experienced server give lessons to others.
-Decor was nice, and the tables were big
-Our food was ok. Appetizers were tasty. The avocado on the avocado BLT was not ripe. They also overdid the lettuce of the BLT... My scallops were pretty tasty, but not memorable. I just don't think anyone in our party was really blown away by their meal.
-Prices were reasonable.

I think if they invested some time into training staff and really cranking out good food, they could have a successful restaurant. We will try it one more time in a while, if only for the blueberry mojito.

Pros: Layout of restaurant, prices, drink menu, nice servers

Cons: Food is not refined quite yet, servers need a little more training

My friend and I ordered two appetizers and split an entree. The goat cheese discs and veggie stuffed potato skins were nothing special. Neither tasty or completely objectionable. The crab and lobster ravioli, however, were laughable. The ravioli were orange and black striped discs resting on a bed of lemon cream sauce. Orange, black, and yellow! The colors were garish and unappetizing, but the taste, the taste is another story! The filling tasted more like tuna than anything else. I was very disappointed. A complete waste of money.

To end on a positive note, the restaurant was spacious with lots of tables to move around for large groups. The location is ideal for those who work in RTP.

0

by stipeluvr at Citysearch
February 01, 20081Serena Sicilian Influenced Restaurants

Disappointing, undistinguished food

★☆☆☆☆

My friend and I ordered two appetizers and split an entree. The goat cheese discs and veggie stuffed potato skins were nothing special. Neither tasty or completely objectionable. The crab and lobster ravioli, however, were laughable. The ravioli were orange and black striped discs resting on a bed of lemon cream sauce. Orange, black, and yellow! The colors were garish and unappetizing, but the taste, the taste is another story! The filling tasted more like tuna than anything else. I was very disappointed. A complete waste of money.

To end on a positive note, the restaurant was spacious with lots of tables to move around for large groups. The location is ideal for those who work in RTP.

Good, efficient place to have lunch, as many people already know. Very clean and spacious, you don't feel crammed in. I haven't tried it for dinner yet, but they are open for dinner and I will go back and get the salmon. I just really love the chicken sandwich with carmelized onions, even the bread is great, so I get that every time at lunch. Everything is made to order. It's a semi-service place, and the girls really move to get you your lunch quickly. There is nothing else like it that I have seen in the Triangle.

2

by encorejc at Citysearch
November 08, 20075Serena Sicilian Influenced Restaurants

Great chicken sandwich with carmelized onions

★★★★★

Good, efficient place to have lunch, as many people already know. Very clean and spacious, you don't feel crammed in. I haven't tried it for dinner yet, but they are open for dinner and I will go back and get the salmon. I just really love the chicken sandwich with carmelized onions, even the bread is great, so I get that every time at lunch. Everything is made to order. It's a semi-service place, and the girls really move to get you your lunch quickly. There is nothing else like it that I have seen in the Triangle.

From the contemporary decor to the convenient RTP location, Serena Restaurant and Bar was a very pleasant dining experience. I ate there this week for lunch with a friend. It was my first dinning
experience there and this place absolutely exceeded my expectations. The lines were long but the courteous staff kept eager patrons moving along promptly. I had no trouble eating there during my one hour lunch break. I was delighted at the moderate prices for such appealing choices and fresh ingredients. Both my friend and I agreed that our meals where absolutely spectacular. Serena Restaurant and Bar was a much needed break from the typical fast food eateries in the area. I can't wait to return for another delicious lunch and or dinner. Parking was a little tough, but I guess that?s expected during lunch. I highly recommend this fantastic restaurant.

2

by misterjames at Citysearch
February 01, 20075Serena Sicilian Influenced Restaurants

Serena Restaurant and Bar, I'm hooked now!!!!!!!

★★★★★

From the contemporary decor to the convenient RTP location, Serena Restaurant and Bar was a very pleasant dining experience. I ate there this week for lunch with a friend. It was my first dinning
experience there and this place absolutely exceeded my expectations. The lines were long but the courteous staff kept eager patrons moving along promptly. I had no trouble eating there during my one hour lunch break. I was delighted at the moderate prices for such appealing choices and fresh ingredients. Both my friend and I agreed that our meals where absolutely spectacular. Serena Restaurant and Bar was a much needed break from the typical fast food eateries in the area. I can't wait to return for another delicious lunch and or dinner. Parking was a little tough, but I guess that?s expected during lunch. I highly recommend this fantastic restaurant.

I loved this place! And I am not an obvious employee/infatuated person (ahem...see below...). The place was recommended by a co-worker last week and I've been back twice since then! The atmosphere was great, service top of the line and the food outstanding. I had an amazing salad and the manager even came over to make sure I liked it! He was extremely personable and spoke with me for a few minutes. Although one of his bartenders looked sick and I hope it wasn't the food that did her in...lol! I would recommend this place to anyone! They just don't make restaurants like this anymore...

2

by dakfaningfan at Citysearch
November 23, 20065Serena Sicilian Influenced Restaurants

wonderful discovery...

★★★★★

I loved this place! And I am not an obvious employee/infatuated person (ahem...see below...). The place was recommended by a co-worker last week and I've been back twice since then! The atmosphere was great, service top of the line and the food outstanding. I had an amazing salad and the manager even came over to make sure I liked it! He was extremely personable and spoke with me for a few minutes. Although one of his bartenders looked sick and I hope it wasn't the food that did her in...lol! I would recommend this place to anyone! They just don't make restaurants like this anymore...

Are you frustrated with waiting alone in traffic for over an hour after a long day at a dead-end job? If so, Serena is the one you've been looking for. If you want innocent, she has a unique blend of Spanish-American treats served in an enchanting, yet subtle, ambience. If you want naughty, you can taste her sweet nectar from a full service bar that soothes away the stresses of the day and gets you in the mood. So don't deny yourself the temptation of Serena's allure and see her soon.

2

by jclcheng at Citysearch
October 24, 20065Serena Sicilian Influenced Restaurants

RTP's Little Spanish Temptress

★★★★★

Are you frustrated with waiting alone in traffic for over an hour after a long day at a dead-end job? If so, Serena is the one you've been looking for. If you want innocent, she has a unique blend of Spanish-American treats served in an enchanting, yet subtle, ambience. If you want naughty, you can taste her sweet nectar from a full service bar that soothes away the stresses of the day and gets you in the mood. So don't deny yourself the temptation of Serena's allure and see her soon.

Pros: Looks good (clean and well groomed), smells good (no smoking), and tastes good (try the burgers... I like them pink).

As someone who hates to sit in the parking known as I40 everyday at 5:00 I cannot tell you how excited I am about Stumbling across Serena. It may not be the easiest place to find and it certainly isn't your typical after work watering hole but don't let that keep you away. Take a few Daily speciails add draft beer, cocktails, wine, and tasty apps throw in a few smart mouthed bartenders, friendly regulars and some plasmas and you have yourself a geniune RTP oasis. Oh did I mention that its smoke free and they have free WiFi. I have even started going there for lunch once a week I like it so much, and I usually just bring lunch from home. So do yourself a favor and stop by for lunch one day if you haven't already, or better yet bring a few friends and saddle up to the bar after work with Doug and Tom and have a libation or two while the rest of the masses cluelessly sit in traffic contemplating if the work on NC1/64 will be finished in their lifetime.

2

by utphilmill at Citysearch
October 23, 20065Serena Sicilian Influenced Restaurants

Traffic oasis

★★★★★

As someone who hates to sit in the parking known as I40 everyday at 5:00 I cannot tell you how excited I am about Stumbling across Serena. It may not be the easiest place to find and it certainly isn't your typical after work watering hole but don't let that keep you away. Take a few Daily speciails add draft beer, cocktails, wine, and tasty apps throw in a few smart mouthed bartenders, friendly regulars and some plasmas and you have yourself a geniune RTP oasis. Oh did I mention that its smoke free and they have free WiFi. I have even started going there for lunch once a week I like it so much, and I usually just bring lunch from home. So do yourself a favor and stop by for lunch one day if you haven't already, or better yet bring a few friends and saddle up to the bar after work with Doug and Tom and have a libation or two while the rest of the masses cluelessly sit in traffic contemplating if the work on NC1/64 will be finished in their lifetime.

For 2 years this was my favorite lunch place. Close to work, great interior, amazing food, quick friendly service. Everyone from the company I work at ate there. But in the last 6 months it is at rock bottom. Quality is going down big time while prices are going up. I usually ordered a great salad with salmon or an avocado BLT. The salad got worse and worse with the salmon so obviously frozen and tasted awful. The sandwiches got worse with the bread being dry like styrofoam. The last time I went, not only did I have the bad salad, but three of my co-workers hated their sandwiches. No one from my company goes there anymore. It's a shame. Want a great salad? Try Tossed. Other good places are Niko's Taverna and Neomonde. But avoid Serena.

0

by dr_synergy at Citysearch
October 19, 20061Serena Sicilian Influenced Restaurants

The Rise and Fall Of Serena

★☆☆☆☆

For 2 years this was my favorite lunch place. Close to work, great interior, amazing food, quick friendly service. Everyone from the company I work at ate there. But in the last 6 months it is at rock bottom. Quality is going down big time while prices are going up. I usually ordered a great salad with salmon or an avocado BLT. The salad got worse and worse with the salmon so obviously frozen and tasted awful. The sandwiches got worse with the bread being dry like styrofoam. The last time I went, not only did I have the bad salad, but three of my co-workers hated their sandwiches. No one from my company goes there anymore. It's a shame. Want a great salad? Try Tossed. Other good places are Niko's Taverna and Neomonde. But avoid Serena.

If you're like me, your work day in RTP can be (insert favorite expletive) frustrating. And once it's over, I get to sit at a near standstill on Hopson Rd for a half hour just to have the pleasure of the same on (insert your interstate). So once or twice a week, I like to meet with a few of the co-workers that I do not have a strong desire to throttle (there are just a few) for an adult beverage and/or dinner. In the past this desire would lead us to SouthPoint (wrong direction for a Raleigh commuter) or worse: the bar at the Sheriton (piano playing/high prices). But my prayers were answered when they finally closed that horrible Mexican place across from the Wendys on S. Miami and opened the restaurant with my new favorite name: Serena.

Atmosphere: Whether you sit outside (nice feature), inside at a table, or at the bar, the atmosphere is great and the staff is friendly and accommodating. Youll usually find our group at the bar because it provides more opportunities to harass the bartenders/manager (who knew us by name on our second visit). A quick look around the place will give you the complete picture: the window tables are great for a quite dinner/after hours business meeting (WiFi), there are larger tables to seat your office social group, and the bar seating is great for catching the latest sports show or the stimulating conversation of the patrons (ask if our group, the PBs, are in attendance).

Food and Drink: Great selections of both are available. For food, we usually go the sandwich or appetizer route, but if your appetite is larger the mains are tasty as well. There is a full bar manned by competent chemists to assembly your potion of choice as well as a fine selection of beer (draft and bottles) and wine.

To sum it up, I love this place and, again if you are like me, I think you will too. I understand that they are open for lunch. I am sure it is great but I am afraid to try: I may not want to return to work.

2

by joe_mnfsu at Citysearch
October 19, 20065Serena Sicilian Influenced Restaurants

RTP "Hot" spot

★★★★★

If you're like me, your work day in RTP can be (insert favorite expletive) frustrating. And once it's over, I get to sit at a near standstill on Hopson Rd for a half hour just to have the pleasure of the same on (insert your interstate). So once or twice a week, I like to meet with a few of the co-workers that I do not have a strong desire to throttle (there are just a few) for an adult beverage and/or dinner. In the past this desire would lead us to SouthPoint (wrong direction for a Raleigh commuter) or worse: the bar at the Sheriton (piano playing/high prices). But my prayers were answered when they finally closed that horrible Mexican place across from the Wendys on S. Miami and opened the restaurant with my new favorite name: Serena.

Atmosphere: Whether you sit outside (nice feature), inside at a table, or at the bar, the atmosphere is great and the staff is friendly and accommodating. Youll usually find our group at the bar because it provides more opportunities to harass the bartenders/manager (who knew us by name on our second visit). A quick look around the place will give you the complete picture: the window tables are great for a quite dinner/after hours business meeting (WiFi), there are larger tables to seat your office social group, and the bar seating is great for catching the latest sports show or the stimulating conversation of the patrons (ask if our group, the PBs, are in attendance).

Food and Drink: Great selections of both are available. For food, we usually go the sandwich or appetizer route, but if your appetite is larger the mains are tasty as well. There is a full bar manned by competent chemists to assembly your potion of choice as well as a fine selection of beer (draft and bottles) and wine.

To sum it up, I love this place and, again if you are like me, I think you will too. I understand that they are open for lunch. I am sure it is great but I am afraid to try: I may not want to return to work.

Don't eat here unless you like to 1. overpay for your food 2. wait too long. I ordered a grilled chicken salad $9.00 + a small diet coke and my lunch was $11.00!!! I was one of two people in the restaurant for lunch and it took over 15 minutes for them to make my lunch. What a rip off!
This is my second time there and I will not go back. There are enough other great places to eat in RTP.

1

by dte16pj at Citysearch
October 10, 20062Serena Sicilian Influenced Restaurants

Don't eat here

★★☆☆☆

Don't eat here unless you like to 1. overpay for your food 2. wait too long. I ordered a grilled chicken salad $9.00 + a small diet coke and my lunch was $11.00!!! I was one of two people in the restaurant for lunch and it took over 15 minutes for them to make my lunch. What a rip off!
This is my second time there and I will not go back. There are enough other great places to eat in RTP.

Serena's is very friendly and has FREE Wi-Fi !!! Located on S. Miami across from Wendy's just up from I-40/Hwy 54 intersection, this restaurant is very convenient to RTP and apartment complexes such as Edinborough at the Park. The restaurant is a great place to take a date or to watch a ballgame. Beer and wine selection is extensive and excellent. Available outside dining offers a tranquil, relaxing environment to surf the net at this FREE, 24-hr wireless hotspot.

2

by psmscm1 at Citysearch
August 28, 20065Serena Sicilian Influenced Restaurants

Serena's is very friendly and has FREE Wi-Fi !!!

★★★★★

Serena's is very friendly and has FREE Wi-Fi !!! Located on S. Miami across from Wendy's just up from I-40/Hwy 54 intersection, this restaurant is very convenient to RTP and apartment complexes such as Edinborough at the Park. The restaurant is a great place to take a date or to watch a ballgame. Beer and wine selection is extensive and excellent. Available outside dining offers a tranquil, relaxing environment to surf the net at this FREE, 24-hr wireless hotspot.

Pros: FREE Wi-Fi, great wine and beer selection, very friendly and personable staff